Powerful Storm Hits Western Alaska Causing Widespread Flooding and Evacuations

Western Alaska suffered from the remnants former Typhoon Merbok, causing intense rainstorms and widespread flooding. The state declared immediate evacuations for affected areas.

The impact of the storm surge resulted in major flooding and was strong enough to sweep away homes.

AccuWeather said that former typhoon Merbok transitioned from a tropical cyclone to an intense and non-tropical wind rainstorm. It was recognized as one of the strongest storms reaching Western Alaska.

According to CNN, authorities are assessing the impacts on roads, sea walls, oil storage, sewage systems, and water supplies.

National Weather Service shared on Twitter that water surged early Sunday, with levels expected to peak above high tide. They anticipated peak water levels of 3 to 5ft in Deering, 4 to 6ft in Kotzebue, and 5-6 ft at Shishmaref and Kivalina, which showed concerning numbers.

Powerful Storm

The reports of the impact of the storm are:

• Golovin, Alaska, suffered from surges of water coming from the Bering sea on September 16. Half of the old airport runway in the Golovin suffered from the water surge. AccuWeather reported 63 miles of wind gusts per hour and sustained winds of 51 mph at 1:00 p.m.
• The National Weather Service said that 45 mph winds and 80 mph gusts hit Kipnuk, Alaska, on the southern part of the Alaskan west coast.
• Newtok is also inundated with water, with at least a dozen homes flooded, the report said.
• CNN reported that the water level reached 8.47 feet Saturday night and a high of 10.72 feet the same day, which the National Weather Service exceeded storms hitting the coast in 2011 and 2014.

Airports in Cameras at Kotlik Airport and Golovin Airport suffered from minor flooding. On the other hand, Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport canceled multiple flights.

The same report from AccuWeather noted that 110 people were forced to shelter at Hooper Bay School. On the other hand, CNN reported that about 450 residents went for shelter in schools.

Moreover, a floating building was seen and hit a 300-gallon tank in Nome. Authorities were looking at the scale of the spill.

In a Twitter post, Alaska senator Lisa Murkowski said that Western Alaska faced one of the worst storms in recent history.

ABC News reported that the floodwaters were receding in western Alaska. The remnants of Typhoon Merbok weakened Sunday with the storm moving north from the Bering Strait into the Chukchi Sea on Alaska's northwest coast.

Meanwhile, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said there was no report of any missing people, deaths, or injuries in Alaska after the storm caused widespread flooding.

Authorities also said they had extended help to affected communities, such as road clearing from the storm's debris.

Storm aftermath

The widespread flooding and heavy rains were disastrous. It is essential to be safe after a storm.

• Seek immediate assistance if you are injured after the storm.
• If you return to your home, check for damages and possible collapse.
• Avoid roads or areas that are temporarily closed for road clearing.
• Be updated with your local weather stations.

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